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Chicago Bulls: Should Jabari Parker come off the bench regularly?

By Pat Hunt

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 2: Jabari Parker #2 of the Chicago Bulls talks to the media during a practice on October 2, 2018 at the Advocate Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 2: Jabari Parker #2 of the Chicago Bulls talks to the media during a practice on October 2, 2018 at the Advocate Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With a great performance off the bench against the Pacers, would it be in the Chicago Bulls best interest to bring Jabari Parker in with the second-string?

After what was an extremely lackluster and downright bad effort in Charlotte, the Chicago Bulls came out firing on all cylinders against the Indiana Pacers.

It was announced before the game by Fred Hoiberg that Jabari Parker would be coming off the bench. Yes, the guy the Bulls just made their highest paid player at $20M a year. It’s something that most Bulls fans likely brushed off as an “experiment” as Hoiberg himself said, but should it only be that?

Let’s face it, Zach LaVine and Jabari Parker on the defensive end of the floor at the same time has not been pretty for the Bulls thus far in the preseason. After the smacking they took from the Hornets, its not surprising that Hoiberg decided some things needed to change.

While this may only have been an “experiment,” Parker provided an instantaneous offensive presence off the bench, and he carried Chicago’s offense for much of the first half.

Add in yet another above average performance from Bobby Portis, and the Bulls were set. Portis has played on another level in the preseason, showcasing how badly he wants the Sixth Man of the Year award.

If Parker coming off the bench provides better opportunities for the Bulls to get off to quicker starts, it’s something that could be considered.

But…there’s always a but when you choose to bring your highest paid player off the bench. The Bulls did not sign Parker to be a valuable bench piece. Rather, they signed him to be potentially the face of the franchise provided his knees hold up.

It would be a wildly unexpected move, and could portray to some a lack of faith, or even a disconnect between the player and staff.

While Hoiberg said Parker “took the news well” of him playing a bench role, the Chicago native did not seem too appreciative of the change in plans, refusing to talk to reporters after the game against the Pacers.

Next. Parker's scoring pivotal to success. dark

When asked by the media today about a potential bench role, Parker simply said coming off the bench would be “a huge adjustment.” That’s quite the interesting take from a player who spent nearly all of last season with the Bucks coming off the bench.

Nonetheless, his answer when asked if he’d be all-in on any role given to him? “No comment” Parker said.

My advice would be to stay tuned.

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